These are some of the photos I digiscoped at the Santa Clara River Estuary last evening. Just some of the things you'd see if you decided to visit. Be mindful of the nesting areas if you do. There isn't a large Least Tern colony at the estuary, but it is suitable habitat for the terns, and the California subspecies is threatened, so they're protected by the state. The American Avocets are using a small area of dune marked by Least Tern signs, and they're very vocal about their territory. Avocet chicks should be present at the estuary soon.
American Avocets feeding on the shoreline
On the shore of the estuary
One of the avocet nests
Another nest being protected by an alert parent
Red-necked Phalarope
A Surf Scoter herding two female Mallards away from his preferred sitting spot
"Good, all to myself."
A Great Blue Heron thought avocet eggs would be a good dinner. However, the avocets had other intentions for the heron, and he was soon kicked out of the nesting site. No avocet eggs eaten today.
Mute Swan swimming slowly through the marsh
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